Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel is an actress who was the 13th child born to Henry McDaniel and Susan Holbert in Wichita, Kansas on June 10, 1893. There is a bit of confusion on her birthday, some say she was born in 1895 or even 1898.

She is the first African American woman to be on the radio in the mid 1920’s. Her first big role was the 1934 film Judge Priest. McDaniel’s also was in the film Gone with the Wind, she played Mammy. In 1940, Hattie McDaniel was the first African American woman to win an Oscar for Gone with the Wind. Even with the nomination and win, Hattie and other African Americans were not allowed to attend the ceremony.

Although she had many movie roles, she often played a similar role to mammy because during this time many older black women were stereotyped into these roles.

Even with these challenges, Hattie still found her way to make a difference in Hollywood. McDaniel’s was also an activist for the black actors. She wanted to break the stereotypes black actors played. She would try out for different parts but often she would be offered to play Mammy.

McDaniel’s was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1952 and lost the battle on October 26,1952. After her death, Hattie finally got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also was inducted into Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.

Today, there are plenty of African American Women in Hollywood but we still struggle. We are still trying to break certain stereotypes and trying to be recognized as actors. At the same time, we have come along way. We can go to these awards shows and be nominated. Black female actors are slowly making changes in Hollywood. Thanks to those black actors who select roles that are innovative and continues to break the stereotypes in Hollywood.